By Cliffsimeon Akalonu
The federal government has given assurance that the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway is being given attention. Engr. Adebote Adewale, Project Supervisor, who represented the Federal Controller of Works Lagos at a recent project tour, said that the road project is divided into two with three lanes each.
According to Engr. Adebote said the section (I) of the road commences from Ile-zik, Ikeja Lagos State to Sango Ota old toll gate Ogun state in a total length of about 19 Km.
He stated that flooding is now history in Ajala Bus-Stop and Kola/Cassa Bus-Stop as the place used to be heavily flooded during raining seasons but after the construction, adequate drainage facilities were provided.
He mentioned TRACE (Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps) as one of their major challenge stating that the Sango Ota bridge is perfectly in good condition and that he sees no reason why some individuals will stop articulated trucks from plying the bridge thereby causing damage and putting pressure on the road users.
“I believe that the Governor of Ogun state may not be aware of this trending” thereby using this medium to call on him and all relevant authorities to come and restore normalcy in the area by allowing articulated trucks to ply the bridge and stoppage of roadside trading around the bridge.
Engr. Umaru Bakare, Federal Controller of Works, Ogun State, said that trading along the walkway of Sango Ota Bridge, is making it impossible for people to use; the activities of the market people and mounting of structures on drainages is blocking it, making it flood when it rains.
He said “We dont want tax payers money to be wasted, that is why we are redesigning the drainages around the Sango Otta bridge with rigid pavements so that when it rains heavily it will not damage it.”
it was also revealed that with delay in funding of SUKUK and delay caused by the plan for the harmonization of Lagos state government proposed BRT corridor on the road with the existing Federal Government Contract, the project completion which is supposed to end in 2021 end, has been shifted to 2022 end.
He confirmed that the roads are bad and that is why the people are agitating “but I have good news for the people, Soon, a serious attention will be given to the 64km Ota-Idiroko road because it is an international road that supports economic growth.
“All hands are on deck to see that something is done to salvage the Road, As I speak to you now, FERMA is on the other side of the road doing all they can, to make sure that something is done at least to make the road motorable before the construction proper.” Umaru said.
Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway is a 77.30 kilometer long expressway connecting Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun state and Ikeja the Capital of Lagos. The Rehabilitation of Lagos-Otta-Abeokuta Road in Lagos/Ogun States, Addendum No.4, with Contract No. 3278A was awarded to Messrs. Julius Berger Nigeria PLC.
